It’s been a rough few weeks of figuring out what you can and can’t do under NSW’s ever-changing lockdown restrictions. From Friday, May 1, the restrictions will gradually be eased, meaning the list of things we’re allowed to do will only get bigger.
The big news is: you can now have two visitors at home. Now you can finally have dinner with mates again, get someone to help with your puzzles, and even bang a stranger (or have a threesome, if you’re that popular).
But other restrictions remain unchanged. You’re still not supposed to go out outside without a good reason. That means you can go to the park or beach to exercise, but not to have a picnic.
“From May 1 on Friday, two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, and on the basis of reducing social isolation, and for everybody’s mental health,” NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced.
“We want to reduce social isolation and we want to improve everyone’s mental health because we appreciate how difficult it’s been for people not to see each other.
But there was a caveat: “Please, please do that responsibly,” she added.
“We trust everybody to do it responsibility, don’t take risks, we don’t want to see the numbers spike up.”
So what’s the go? Is the virus not an issue anymore? No.
While it’s safe enough to invite a mate over, it’s still not safe enough to go to a festival. In fact, authorities expect the number of cases to increase slightly as human activity increases. But now hospitals have had time to prepare.
It’s also not a great idea to visit your grandparents, or anyone over the age of 70. The same applies to anyone who has a preexisting condition, as they’re more at risk of the virus.
Berejiklian also said those showing flu-like symptoms should definitely not rush over to a mate’s house anytime soon.
“You shouldn’t be out of your house, frankly, you should be getting tested,” she said.
Something to note is that children don’t count under the two-person rule, meaning a couple with kids are free to visit whomever they want.
One other very specific exception was made to the lockdown restrictions. Riding a motorbike now counts as exercise, so you’re free to go for a long, weekend ride without having a serious reason. Going for a drive for fun, however, is still not allowed.
It’s all a bit confusing, but the good news is that things are getting better.
Berejiklian actually said it best herself: “I’ll be the first one to say, there’s no science or perfection to these rules around a pandemic.”
If you think you may have coronavirus, either call your doctor (DON’T visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you’re struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
